Double forceps

ABSTRACT

Handheld forceps having plural pincers for grasping and holding multiple objects, such as Peanut or Cotton Kittner sponges, at the same time are disclosed. The handheld forceps include opposing arms having proximal and distal ends. A hinge connects the opposing arms together between the proximal and distal ends. The opposing arms articulate relative to each other about the hinge. A handle portion at the proximal ends of the opposing arms has an open and closed position for articulating the distal ends open and closed. Distal ends are configured with plural pincers whereby jaws are formed between the plural pincers for grasping and holding multiple objects at the same time.

BACKGROUND I. Field of the Disclosure

Handheld forceps for grasping and holding objects are disclosed. Morespecifically, but not exclusively, handheld forceps having pluralpincers and jaws for grasping and holding multiple small objects, suchas cotton peanut sponges, cotton kittners or any like fibroussponges/swabs, at the same time in a particular spaced apart arrangementare disclosed.

II. Description of the Prior Art

Handheld forceps are employed in various fields and endeavors, and withparticular regularity in numerous medical fields and practices.Typically the devices are handheld and hinged whereby arm-actuatedmovement of a pair of pincers allows the operator to grasp and hold asingle object. In some instances multiple objects may be secured at thesame time by a pair of pincers, but typically not without somedifficulty and certainly not in a particular spaced apart arrangement.Complexities and problems arise particularly when certain size, shape,and/or number of objects need held in a particular manner, distanceapart and at the same time. In use, such as during a medical procedure,current handheld forceps offer little assistance in manipulatingprolapsed tissue as they only are capable of securing a single Peanut orCotton Kittner. Use of a single fibrous swab or other fibrous object forpushing and retracting tissue during a procedure does not create enoughtissue separation to prevent tissue from prolapsing while stillproviding a space through which the medical professional can see.Moreover, the metal pincers of existing handheld forceps can damagetissue and nerves, are slippery and do not address these and otherissues in the art.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides handheld forceps for grasping andsimultaneously holding multiple objects. The handheld forceps includeopposing arms having proximal and distal ends. A hinge connects theopposing arms together between the proximal and distal ends. Theopposing arms articulate relative to each other about the hinge. Ahandle portion at the proximal ends of the opposing arms has an open andclosed position for articulating the distal ends open and closed. In apreferred aspect, there are at least two pincers at the distal end ofeach of the opposing arms and a jaw formed between one pincer of one ofthe opposing arms and another pincer of the other one of the opposingarms.

In another aspect, a handheld medical tool is disclosed. The handheldmedical tool includes opposing arms having proximal and distal ends. Ahinge connects the opposing arms together between the proximal anddistal ends. The opposing arms articulate relative to each other aboutthe hinge. A handle portion at the proximal ends of the opposing armshas an open and closed position for articulating the distal ends openand closed. In a preferred aspect, there is a pincer at the distal endof each opposing arm and a pair of pincers disposed between the pincerson each opposing arm.

In another aspect, a handheld medical instrument is disclosed. Thehandheld medical instrument includes opposing arms having proximal anddistal ends. A hinge connects the opposing arms together between theproximal and distal ends. The opposing arms articulate relative to eachother about the hinge. A handle portion at the proximal ends of theopposing arms has an open and closed position for articulating thedistal ends open and closed. In a preferred aspect, there is a pair ofpincers at each of the distal ends of the opposing arms and a pair ofjaws comprising one pincer from the pair of pincers for each of theopposing arms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrated embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail belowwith reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporatedby reference herein, and where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of forceps shown in a closed position inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the opposite side of the forcepsshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the forceps of FIG. 1 shown in an openposition in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the forceps of FIG. 2 shown in an openposition in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a left side portion of the forceps shownin FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the opposite side of the left sideportion shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a right side portion of the forcepsshown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the opposite side of the right sideportion shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the forceps of FIG. 1 shown in acondition of use in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the forceps of FIG. 1 shown in acondition of use in accordance with another illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of other forceps shown in a closedposition in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the forceps of FIG. 11 shown in an openposition in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the opposite side of the forcepsshown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the forceps shown in FIG. 11:

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of other forceps shown in a closedposition in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the forceps of FIG. 15 shown in an openposition in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of other forceps shown in an open positionin accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the forceps of FIG. 17 shown in acondition of use in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the forceps of FIG. 17 showing anotherconfiguration in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of other forceps in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the forceps of FIG. 20 shown in acondition of use in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a top view of other forceps shown in a condition of use inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 23 is a side view of the forceps of FIG. 20 shown in a condition ofuse in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Handheld forceps for grasping and holding objects are disclosed in FIGS.1-23. More specifically, but not exclusively, handheld forceps havingplural pincers and jaws for grasping and holding multiple objects at thesame time in a particulate space arrangement are also disclosed in FIGS.1-23.

FIGS. 1-10 disclose forceps in accordance with at least one illustrativeaspect of the present disclosure. The forceps 10 pictorially representedin FIGS. 1-10 include opposing arms 12, 14 that each extend generallybetween a distal end 16 and a proximal end 18 of the tool body orforceps 10. Pincers 28A, 28B are disposed at the distal end 16 of arm12. Similarly, pincers 26A, 26B are disposed at the distal end of arm14. In at least one preferred aspect of the present disclosure, pincers26A, 26B, 28A, 28B are angled in an outwardly direction out of planaritywith the tool body of the forceps 10. Handle portions 22, 24 aredisposed on each arm 12, 14 at the proximal end 18. Arms 12, 14 includerespective hinge points 46, 48 disposed between the pincers andrespective shank portions 30, 32. The shank portion 30, 32 is disposedbetween respective handle portions 22, 24 and hinge points 46, 48. Theshank portions 30, 32 can be lengthened or shortened to accommodate adesired tool body length. Arms 12, 14 are joined by a hinge 20 atrespective hinge points 46, 48. The shank portions 30, 32 can also bealtered (e.g., lengthened) to offer more leverage at hinge points 46,48. The opposing arms 12, 14 articulate about hinge 20 by manipulationof the handle portions 22, 24. A locking member 34 is disposed adjacentthe handle portion 22. Another locking member 36, opposing lockingmember 34, is disposed adjacent handle portion 24. The opposing lockingmembers 34, 36 can be disposed anywhere along respective shank portions30, 32 between the hinge 20 and respective proximal ends 18 of arms 12,14. In a preferred aspect, locking member 34, 36 are disposed adjacenthandle portions 22, 24. Each locking member 34, 36 includes respectiveteeth portions 35, 37 for removably fixing locking member 34, 36together. Other securing means such as ribs, latches, hooks, loops,pins, and slides can removably secure locking member 34, 36 together.Other locking or securing means can be configured into hinge 20 to lockmovement of arms 12, 14.

As shown pictorially in FIGS. 3-4, arms 12, 14 are articulated apartabout hinge 20 to open or otherwise simultaneously separate pincer 26Afrom 28A and pincer 28A from 28B to form respective open jaws 38, 40.Conversely, when arms 12, 14 are articulated together about hinge 20,respective jaws 38, 40 close as pincers 26A, 28A and pincers 28A, 28Bcome together.

As shown pictorially in FIGS. 5-6, arm 12 includes a pair of pincers28A, 28B. Pincers 28A, 28B are attached to hinge point 46 and spacedapart by an offset portions 50A, 50B. Pincers 28A, 28B can include grips42A, 42B. Grips 42A, 42B can be configured from one or moreprotuberations, undulations, or irregularities in the materialcomprising the gripping surface. Grips 42A, 42B can be fashioned intothe gripping surface of pincers 28A. 28B by making alterations to thesurface of the material forming the pincers 28A, 28B. In a preferredaspect of the present disclosure, arm 12 is manufactured from amedical-grade alloy, such as surgical stainless steel. In anotheraspect, grips 42A, 42B are formed from a separate layer of materialfashioned atop the gripping surface of pincers 28A, 28B. For example,any type of hydrophobic, surgical grade rubber, plastic or siliconecould be fashioned as grips 42A. 42B atop the gripping surface ofpincers 28A, 28B. In at least one configuration of arm 12, pincers 28A,28B are spaced apart in a generally parallel orientation relative toeach another. In another configuration, pincers 28A, 28B are angled, toa small degree, away or toward each other. The offset portions 50A, 50Bcan include a mechanism (not shown) to control the degree of offsetbetween pincers 28A, 28B. For example, one or both pincers 28A, 28B canbe hingably mounted at offset portions 50A, 50B with the degree ofseparation between them controlled by an adjustment screw or otherincremental adjustment mechanism. Adjustments can result in the distalend of pincers 28A, 28B being spaced closer together or further apart,either by increased or decreased angled or parallel separation, therebyincreasing or decreasing the size of jaws 38, 40 (best illustrated inFIGS. 3-4). The portion of pincers 28A, 28B attached to offset portions50A, 50B can also, by actuation of an adjustment mechanism, such as anadjustment screw, be spaced closer together or further apart. Suchadjustments can provide, for example, a greater jaw 38, 40 opening.

As shown pictorially in FIGS. 7-8, arm 14 includes a pair of pincers26A, 26B. Pincers 26A, 26B are attached to hinge point 48 and spacedapart by an offset portions 52A, 52B. Pincers 26A, 26B can include grips44A, 44B, as shown in FIG. 4. Grips 44A, 44B can be configured from oneor more protuberations, undulations, or irregularities in the materialcomprising the gripping surface. Grips 44A, 44B can be fashioned intothe gripping surface of pincers 26A, 26B by making alterations to thesurface of the material forming the pincers 26A, 26B. In a preferredaspect of the present disclosure, arm 14 is manufactured from amedical-grade alloy, such as surgical stainless steel. In anotheraspect, grips 44A, 44B are formed from a separate layer of materialfashioned atop the gripping surface of pincers 26A, 26B. For example,any type of hydrophobic, surgical grade rubber, plastic or siliconecould be fashioned as grips 44A, 44B atop the gripping surface ofpincers 26A, 26B. In at least one configuration of arm 14, pincers 26A,26B are spaced apart in a generally parallel orientation relative toeach another. In another configuration, pincers 26A, 26B are angled, toa small degree, away or toward each other. The offset portions 52A, 52Bcan include a mechanism (not shown) to control the degree of offsetbetween pincers 26A, 26B. For example, one or both pincers 26A, 26B canbe hingably mounted at the offset portions 52A, 52B with the degree ofseparation between them controlled by an adjustment screw or otherincremental adjustment mechanism. Adjustments can result in the distalend of pincers 26A, 26B being spaced closer together or further apart,either by increased or decreased angled or parallel separation, therebyincreasing or decreasing the size of jaws 38, 40 (best illustrated inFIGS. 3-4). The portion of pincers 26A, 26B attached to respectiveoffset portions 52A, 52B can also, by actuation of an adjustmentmechanism, such as an adjustment screw, be spaced closer together orfurther apart. Such adjustments can provide, for example, a greater jaw38, 40 opening.

FIGS. 9-10 provide perspective views of in-use illustrations for theforceps 10. As discussed above, the pincers 26A, 26B, 28A, 28B have anarcuate shape bending generally outwardly from planarity with the bodyof the forceps 10. The bend angle can be anywhere from 15-60 degrees,and preferably 30-45 degrees relative to the handles 22, 24 asillustrated pictorially in FIGS. 9-10. The bend angle allowsmanipulation of tissues, nerves, fluids, and other possiblevision-occluders to the extent that would not otherwise be possible withstraight pincers or pincers with a zero degree bend. Illustrated holdinga plurality of fibrous swabs 62, such as a plurality of cotton peanutsponges, cotton kittners or any like fibrous sponges/swabs, is a swabpouch 60. Examples of various contemplated fibrous swabs 62 and spongepouch 60 are commercially available for purchase from American SurgicalCompany. With the jaws 38, 40 of pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B open, aspictorially illustrated in FIG. 9, at least a pair of fibrous swabs 62can simultaneously be secured between respective pincers 26A, 28A and26B, 28B as best illustrated FIG. 10. Articulating handles 22, 24 froman open position (see FIG. 9) toward a closed position (see FIG. 10)closes jaws 38, 40 thereby grasping the pair of fibrous swabs 62 asshown. Grips 42A, 44A and 42B, 44B aid in grasping and retaining a graspon the fibrous swabs 62 during manipulation of tissue, nerves, fluids orother bodily substances during, for example, a surgical procedure.Locking members 34, 36 on respective handles 22, 24 aid in firmlysecuring the fibrous swabs 62 within respective jaws 38, 40. Handles 22,24 are articulated toward a closed position (see FIGS. 1-2) to lock thefibrous swabs 62 within respective jaws 38, 40 of opposing pincers 26A,28A and 26B, 28B. As discussed above, adjusting the dimension and/orangle of portions 50A, 50B, 52A, 52B can alter the space between thejaws 38, 40 holding the pair of fibrous swabs 62. For example,increasing the dimension/angle of portions 50A, 50B, 52A, 52B canincrease the separation distance between opposing jaws 38, 40 andthereby the separation distance between the pair of fibrous swabs 62grasped by the pair of opposing jaws 38, 40. Alterations or changes tothe dimension and/or angle of pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B can beaccomplished as disclosed herein. It can be desirable to increaseseparation distance between the pair of opposing pincers 26A, 28A and26B, 28B to increase, for example, the tissue separation during pushingand retracting tissue for creating enough tissue separation to preventtissue from prolapsing while still providing a space through which themedical professional can see. Moreover, the bend angle of pincers 26A,28A and 26B, 28B allows further pushing and retraction of tissues, suchas further manipulation of prolapsing tissue.

FIGS. 11-14 disclose forceps 10 in accordance with another illustrativeaspect of the present disclosure. The forceps 10 pictorially representedin FIGS. 11-14 include opposing arms 12, 14 that each extend generallybetween a distal end 16 and a proximal end 18 of the tool body orforceps 10. Pincer 28B is disposed at the distal end 16 of arm 12.Similarly, pincer 26A is disposed at the distal end of arm 14. In atleast one preferred aspect of the present disclosure, pincers 26A, 28Bare angled in an outwardly direction out of planarity with the tool bodyof the forceps 10. Handle portions 22, 24 are disposed on each arm 12,14 at the proximal end 18. Arms 12, 14 include respective hinge points46, 48 disposed between the pincers and respective shank portions 30,32. The shank portion 30, 32 is disposed between respective handleportions 22, 24 and hinge points 46, 48. The shank portions 30, 32 canbe lengthened or shortened to accommodate a desired tool body length.Arms 12, 14 are joined by a hinge 20 at respective hinge points 46, 48.The shank portions 30, 32 can also be altered (e.g., lengthened) tooffer more leverage at hinge points 46, 48. The opposing arms 12, 14articulate about hinge 20 by manipulation of the handle portions 22, 24.A locking member, similar to locking member 34 shown in FIGS. 1-10, canbe disposed adjacent the handle portion 22. Another locking member 36,similar to locking member 34 shown in FIGS. 1-10, opposing lockingmember 34, can be disposed adjacent handle portion 24. Opposing lockingmembers can be disposed anywhere along respective shank portions 30, 32between the hinge 20 and respective proximal ends 18 of arms 12, 14. Ina preferred aspect, locking members can be disposed adjacent handleportions 22, 24, similar to locking members 34, 36 shown in FIGS. 1-10.Each locking member can includes respective teeth portions, similar toteeth portions 35, 37 shown in FIGS. 1-10, for removably fixing thelocking members together. Other securing means such as ribs, latches,hooks, loops, pins, and slides can removably secure locking members,similar to locking members 34, 36 shown in FIGS. 1-10, together. Otherlocking or securing means can be configured into hinge 20 to lockmovement of arms 12, 14.

The forceps 10 pictorially represented in FIGS. 11-14 include arm 13that extends generally between hinge 20 and distal end 16 of the toolbody or forceps 10. Pincer 28A is disposed at the distal end 16 of arm13. Similarly, pincer 26B is disposed at the distal end of arm 13. In atleast one preferred aspect of the present disclosure, pincers 26B, 28Aare angled in an outwardly direction out of planarity with the tool bodyof the forceps 10. Arm 13 is pivotally joined by hinge point 47 to eacharm 12, 14 at hinge points 46, 48 disposed between the pincers andrespective shank portions 30, 32. Pincers 26B, 28A are connected tohinge point 47 by shank 31. As shown pictorially in FIGS. 11-13, arms12, 14 are articulated apart about hinge 20 to open or otherwisesimultaneously separate pincer 26A from 28A and pincer 26B from 28B toform respective open jaws 38, 40. Conversely, when arms 12, 14 arearticulated together about hinge 20, respective jaws 38, 40 close aspincers 26A, 28A and pincers 26B, 28B come together. Hinge 20, in apreferred form, is configured to bias pincers 26B, 28A away fromrespective pincers 28B, 26A when arms 12, 14 are articulated from aclosed position (see FIG. 11) toward an open position (see FIG. 13). Abiasing mechanism (not shown) can be configured from spring-loading orspring-assisting movement of pincers 26B, 28A away from respectivepincers 28B, 26A for opening both jaws 38, 40 nearly simultaneously whenarms 12, 14 are articulated from a closed position (see FIG. 11) towardan open position (see FIG. 13). A biasing mechanism can also beconfigured into hinge points 46, 47, 48 for biasing movement of pincers26B. 28A away from respective pincers 28B, 26A for opening both jaws 38,40 nearly simultaneously when arms 12, 14 are articulated from a closedposition (see FIG. 11) toward an open position (see FIG. 13). In anotheraspect, a biasing mechanism such as surface etching configured at/onhinge points 46, 47, 48 and/or hinge 20 can bias movement of pincers26B, 28A away from respective pincers 28B. 26A for opening both jaws 38,40 nearly simultaneously when arms 12, 14 are articulated from a closedposition (see FIG. 11) toward an open position (see FIG. 13). In atleast one other aspect, hinge 20 may be configured whereby the hingepoint 47 of arm 13 free-floats within hinge 20.

As shown pictorially in FIGS. 11-14, arms 12, 14 include respectivepincers 28B, 26A. Pincers 28B, 26A are attached to and spaced away froma pair of respective planes collinear with respective hinge points 46,48 by offset portions 50B, 50A. Pincers 28B, 26A can include grips 42B,44A. Grips 42B, 44A can be configured from one or more protuberations,undulations, or irregularities in the material comprising the grippingsurface. Grips 42B, 44A can be fashioned into the gripping surface ofpincers 28B, 26A by making alterations to the surface of the materialforming the pincers 28B, 26A. In a preferred aspect of the presentdisclosure, arms 12, 14 are manufactured from a medical-grade alloy,such as surgical stainless steel. In another aspect, grips 42B, 44A areformed from a separate layer of material fashioned atop the grippingsurface of pincers 28B, 26A. For example, any type of hydrophobic,surgical grade rubber, plastic or silicone could be fashioned as grips42B, 44A atop the gripping surface of pincers 28B, 26A. In at least oneconfiguration of arm 12, pincers 28B, 26A are spaced apart in agenerally parallel orientation relative to each another. In anotherconfiguration, pincers 28B, 26A are angled, to a small degree, away ortoward each other. The offset portions 50B, 50A can include a mechanism(not shown) to control the degree of offset between pincers 28B, 26A.For example, one or both pincers 28B. 26A can be hingably mounted atoffset portions 50B, 50A with the degree of separation between themcontrolled by an adjustment screw or other incremental adjustmentmechanism. Adjustments can result in the distal end of pincers 28B, 26Abeing spaced closer together or further apart, either by increased ordecreased angled or parallel separation, thereby increasing ordecreasing the size of jaws 38, 40 (best illustrated in FIG. 13). Theportion of pincers 28B, 26A attached to offset portions 50B, 50A canalso, by actuation of an adjustment mechanism, such as an adjustmentscrew, be spaced closer together or further apart. Such adjustments canprovide, for example, a greater jaw 38, 40 opening.

As also shown pictorially in FIGS. 11-14, arm 13 includes a pair ofpincers 28A, 26B. Pincers 28A, 26B are attached to hinge point 47 andspaced apart by an offset portion 51. The offset portion can beconfigured into the shank 31 or arm 13 and/or the portion of pincers28A, 26B connecting pincers 28A, 26B to shank 31. Pincers 28A, 26B caninclude grips 42A, 44B, as shown in FIGS. 13-14. Grips 42A, 44B can beconfigured from one or more protuberations, undulations, orirregularities in the material comprising the gripping surface. Grips42A, 44B can be fashioned into the gripping surface of pincers 28A, 26Bby making alterations to the surface of the material forming the pincers28A. 26B. In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, arm 13 ismanufactured from a medical-grade alloy, such as surgical stainlesssteel. In another aspect, grips 42A, 44B are formed from a separatelayer of material fashioned atop the gripping surface of pincers 28A.26B. For example, any type of hydrophobic, surgical grade rubber,plastic or silicone could be fashioned as grips 42A, 44B atop thegripping surface of pincers 28A, 26B. In at least one configuration ofarm 13, pincers 28A, 26B are spaced apart in a generally parallelorientation relative to each another. In another configuration, pincers26A, 26B are angled, to a small degree, away or toward each other. Theoffset portion 51 can include a mechanism (not shown) to control thedegree of offset between pincers 28A, 26B and to conform to the degreeof offset between pincers 28B, 26A, which is also changeable ascontemplated and described above. For example, one or both pincers 28A,26B can be hingably mounted at the offset portion 51 with the degree ofseparation between them controlled by an adjustment screw or otherincremental adjustment mechanism. Adjustments can result in the distalend of pincers 28A, 26B being spaced closer together or further apart,either by increased or decreased angled or parallel separation(including like adjustments to pincers 28B, 26A), thereby increasing ordecreasing the size of jaws 38, 40 (best illustrated in FIGS. 12-13).The portion of pincers 28A, 26B attached to offset portion 51 can also,by actuation of an adjustment mechanism, such as an adjustment screw, bespaced closer together or further apart. Such adjustments can provide,for example, a greater jaw 38, 40 opening.

As discussed above, the pincers 26A, 26B, 28A, 28B have an arcuate shapebending generally outwardly from planarity with the body of the forceps10. The bend angle can be anywhere from 15-60 degrees, and preferably30-45 degrees relative to the handles 22, 24 as illustrated pictoriallyin FIGS. 11-14. The bend angle allows manipulation of tissues, nerves,fluids, and other possible vision-occluders to the extent that would nototherwise be possible with straight pincers or pincers with a zerodegree bend. Jaws 38, 40 are configured to hold at least a pair offibrous swabs (e.g., fibrous swabs 62 shown in FIGS. 9-10), such as aplurality of cotton peanut sponges, cotton kittners or any like fibroussponges/swabs. Examples of various contemplated fibrous swabs and spongepouch (e.g., see sponge pouch 60 in FIGS. 9-10) are commerciallyavailable for purchase from American Surgical Company. With the jaws 38,40 of pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B open, as pictorially illustrated inFIGS. 12-13, at least a pair of fibrous swabs can simultaneously besecured between respective pincers 26A, 28A and 26B. 28B in a waysimilarly shown in FIG. 10. Articulating handles 22, 24 from an openposition (see FIGS. 12-13) toward a closed position (see FIG. 11) closesjaws 38, 40 thereby grasping the pair of fibrous swabs in a waysimilarly shown in FIGS. 9-10. Grips 42A, 44A and 42B, 44B aid ingrasping and retaining a grasp on the fibrous swabs during manipulationof tissue, nerves, fluids or other bodily substances during, forexample, a surgical procedure. Locking members, such as similar ones 34,36 shown in FIGS. 1-10, can be configured on respective handles 22, 24and aid in firmly securing fibrous swabs within respective jaws 38, 40.Handles 22, 24 are articulated toward a closed position (see FIG. 11) tolock the fibrous swabs within respective jaws 38, 40 of opposing pincers26A, 28A and 26B, 28B in a way similarly shown in FIGS. 9-10. Asdiscussed above, adjusting the dimension and/or angle of portions 50B,50A, 51 can alter the space between the jaws 38, 40 holding the pair offibrous swabs. For example, increasing the dimension/angle of portionsSOB, 50A, 51 can increase the separation distance between opposing jaws38, 40 and thereby the separation distance between the pair of fibrousswabs grasped by the pair of opposing jaws 38, 40. Alterations orchanges to the dimension and/or angle of pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28Bcan be accomplished as disclosed herein. It can be desirable to increaseseparation distance between the pair of opposing pincers 26A, 28A and26B, 28B to increase, for example, the tissue separation during pushingand retracting tissue for creating enough tissue separation to preventtissue from prolapsing while still providing a space through which themedical professional can see. Moreover, the bend angle of pincers 26A,28A and 26B, 28B allows further pushing and retraction of tissues, suchas further manipulation of prolapsing tissue.

FIG. 15-16 disclose forceps in accordance with another illustrativeaspect of the present disclosure. The forceps 10 pictorially representedin FIGS. 15-16 include opposing arms 12, 14 that each extend generallybetween a distal end 16 and a proximal end 18 of the tool body orforceps 10. Pincers 28A, 28B are disposed at the distal end 16 of arm12. Similarly, pincers 26A, 26B are disposed at the distal end of arm14. In at least one preferred aspect of the present disclosure, pincers26A, 26B, 28A, 28B can be angled in an upwardly or downwardly directionout of planarity with the tool body of the forceps 10. Handle portions22, 24 are disposed on each arm 12, 14 at the proximal end 18. Arms 12,14 include a hinge 20 of respective hinge points disposed between thepincers and respective shank portions 30, 32. The shank portion 30, 32is disposed between respective handle portions 22, 24 and hinge 20. Theshank portions 30, 32 can be lengthened or shortened to accommodate adesired tool body length. Arms 12, 14 are joined by a hinge 20 atrespective hinge points. The shank portions 30, 32 can also be altered(e.g., lengthened) to offer more leverage at hinge 20. The opposing arms12, 14 articulate about hinge 20 by manipulation of the handle portions22, 24. A locking member fashioned in a way similarly shown in FIGS.1-10 can be disposed adjacent the handle portion 22. Another lockingmember fashioned in a way similarly shown in FIGS. 1-10 can beconfigured opposing the other locking member and disposed adjacenthandle portion 24. The opposing locking fashioned in a way similarlyshown in FIGS. 1-10 can be disposed anywhere along respective shankportions 30, 32 between the hinge 20 and respective proximal ends 18 ofarms 12, 14. In a preferred aspect, locking members fashioned in a waysimilarly shown in FIGS. 1-10 can be disposed adjacent handle portions22, 24. Each locking member fashioned in a way similarly shown in FIGS.1-10 can include respective teeth portions 35, 37 for removably fixinglocking member together. Other securing means such as ribs, latches,hooks, loops, pins, and slides can removably secure locking membertogether. Other locking or securing means can be configured into hinge20 to lock movement of arms 12, 14.

As shown pictorially in FIG. 16, arms 12, 14 are articulated apart abouthinge 20 to open or otherwise simultaneously separate pincer 26A from28A and pincer 28A from 28B to form respective open jaws 38, 40.Conversely, when arms 12, 14 are articulated together about hinge 20,respective jaws 38, 40 close as pincers 26A, 28A and pincers 28A, 28Bcome together as shown in FIG. 15.

As shown pictorially in FIG. 16, arm 12 includes a pair of pincers 28A,28B. Pincers 28A, 28B are attached to hinge 20 and spaced apart by anoffset portion 50A. Pincers 28A, 28B can include grips 42A, 42B. Grips42A, 42B can be configured from one or more protuberations, undulations,or irregularities in the material comprising the gripping surface. Grips42A, 42B can be fashioned into the gripping surface of pincers 28A, 28Bby making alterations to the surface of the material forming the pincers28A, 28B. In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, arm 12 ismanufactured from a medical-grade alloy, such as surgical stainlesssteel. In another aspect, grips 42A, 42B are formed from a separatelayer of material fashioned atop the gripping surface of pincers 28A,28B. For example, any type of hydrophobic, surgical grade rubber,plastic or silicone could be fashioned as grips 42A, 42B atop thegripping surface of pincers 28A, 28B. In at least one configuration ofarm 12, pincers 28A, 28B are spaced apart in a generally parallelorientation relative to each another. In a preferred configuration,pincers 28A, 28B are angled away from each other. The offset portion 50Acan include a mechanism (not shown) to control the degree of offsetbetween pincers 28A, 28B. For example, one or both pincers 28A, 28B canbe hingably mounted at offset portion 50A with the degree of separationbetween them controlled by an adjustment screw or other incrementaladjustment mechanism. Adjustments can result in the distal end ofpincers 28A, 28B being spaced closer together or further apart, therebyincreasing or decreasing the separation distance between jaws 38, 40(best illustrated in FIG. 16). The portion of pincers 28A, 28B attachedto offset portion 50A can also, by actuation of an adjustment mechanism,such as an adjustment screw, be spaced closer together or further apart.Such adjustments can provide, for example, a greater jaw 38, 40separation.

As shown pictorially in FIG. 16, arm 14 includes a pair of pincers 26A,26B. Pincers 26A, 26B are attached to hinge 20 and spaced apart by anoffset portion 52A. Pincers 26A, 26B can include grips 44A, 44B, as bestshown in FIG. 16. Grips 44A, 44B can be configured from one or moreprotuberations, undulations, or irregularities in the materialcomprising the gripping surface. Grips 44A, 44B can be fashioned intothe gripping surface of pincers 26A, 26B by making alterations to thesurface of the material forming the pincers 26A, 26B. In a preferredaspect of the present disclosure, arm 14 is manufactured from amedical-grade alloy, such as surgical stainless steel. In anotheraspect, grips 44A, 44B are formed from a separate layer of materialfashioned atop the gripping surface of pincers 26A, 26B. For example,any type of hydrophobic, surgical grade rubber, plastic or siliconecould be fashioned as grips 44A, 44B atop the gripping surface ofpincers 26A. 26B. In at least one configuration of arm 14, pincers 26A,26B are spaced apart in a generally parallel orientation relative toeach another. In a preferred configuration, pincers 26A, 26B are angledaway from each other. The offset portion 52A can include a mechanism(not shown) to control the degree of offset between pincers 26A, 26B.For example, one or both pincers 26A, 26B can be hingably mounted at theoffset portion 52A with the degree of separation between them controlledby an adjustment screw or other incremental adjustment mechanism.Adjustments can result in the distal end of pincers 26A, 26B beingspaced closer together or further apart, thereby increasing ordecreasing the separation distance between jaws 38, 40 (best illustratedin FIG. 16). The portion of pincers 26A, 26B attached to respectiveoffset portion 52A can also, by actuation of an adjustment mechanism,such as an adjustment screw, be spaced closer together or further apart.Such adjustments can provide, for example, a greater jaw 38, 40separation.

The pincers 26A, 26B, 28A, 28B are angled generally outwardly fromplanarity with the body of the forceps 10. The angle can be anywherefrom 5-45 degrees, and preferably 10-25 degrees as illustratedpictorially in FIGS. 15-16. The separation between the distal end 16 ofpincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B allows manipulation of tissues, nerves,fluids, and other possible vision-occluders to the extent that would nototherwise be possible with straight pincers or pincers with noseparation between the distal end 16 of pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B.Jaws 38, 40 are configured to hold at least a pair of fibrous swabs(e.g., fibrous swabs 62 shown in FIGS. 9-10), such as a plurality ofcotton peanut sponges, cotton kittners or any like fibroussponges/swabs. Examples of various contemplated fibrous swabs and spongepouch (e.g., see sponge pouch 60 in FIGS. 9-10) are commerciallyavailable for purchase from American Surgical Company. With the jaws 38,40 of pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B open, as pictorially illustrated inFIG. 16, at least a pair of fibrous swabs can simultaneously be securedbetween respective pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B in a way similarlyshown in FIG. 10. Articulating handles 22, 24 from an open position (seeFIG. 16) toward a closed position (see FIG. 5) closes jaws 38, 40thereby grasping the pair of fibrous swabs in a way similarly shown inFIGS. 9-10. Grips 42A, 44A and 42B, 44B aid in grasping and retaining agrasp on the fibrous swabs during manipulation of tissue, nerves, fluidsor other bodily substances during, for example, a surgical procedure.Locking members, such as similar ones 34, 36 shown in FIGS. 1-10, can beconfigured on respective handles 22, 24 and aid in firmly securingfibrous swabs within respective jaws 38, 40. Handles 22, 24 arearticulated toward a closed position (see FIG. 15) to lock the fibrousswabs within respective jaws 38, 40 of opposing pincers 26A, 28A and26B, 28B in a way similarly shown in FIGS. 9-10. As discussed above,adjusting the dimension and/or angle of offset portion 52A can alter theseparation between the jaws 38, 40 holding the pair of fibrous swabs.For example, increasing the dimension/angle of portion 52A can increasethe separation distance between opposing jaws 38, 40 and thereby theseparation distance between the pair of fibrous swabs grasped by thepair of opposing jaws 38, 40. Alterations or changes to the dimensionand/or angle of pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B can be accomplished asdisclosed herein. It can be desirable to increase separation distancebetween the pair of opposing pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B to increase,for example, the tissue separation during pushing and retracting tissuefor creating enough tissue separation to prevent tissue from prolapsingwhile still providing a space through which the medical professional cansee. Moreover, the angle of separation between pincers 26A, 28A and 26B,28B allows further pushing and retraction of tissues, such as furthermanipulation of prolapsing tissue.

FIGS. 17-19 disclose forceps in accordance with another illustrativeaspect of the present disclosure. The forceps 10 pictorially representedin FIGS. 17-19 include opposing arms 12, 14 that each extend generallybetween a distal end 16 and a proximal end 18 of the tool body orforceps 10. Pincers 28A, 28B are disposed at the distal end 16 of arm12. Similarly, pincers 26A, 26B are disposed at the distal end of arm14. In at least one preferred aspect of the present disclosure, pincers26A, 26B and pincers 28A, 28B can be angled away from or toward eachother. Handle portions 22, 24 are disposed on each arm 12, 14 at theproximal end 18. Arms 12, 14 include a hinge 20 of respective hingepoints disposed between the pincers and respective shank portions 30,32. The shank portion 30, 32 is disposed between respective handleportions 22, 24 and hinge 20. The shank portions 30, 32 can belengthened or shortened to accommodate a desired tool body length. Arms12, 14 are joined by a hinge 20 at respective hinge points. The shankportions 30, 32 can also be altered (e.g., lengthened) to offer moreleverage at hinge 20. The opposing arms 12, 14 articulate about hinge 20by manipulation of the handle portions 22, 24. A locking memberfashioned in a way similarly shown in FIGS. 1-10 can be disposedadjacent the handle portion 22. Another locking member fashioned in away similarly shown in FIGS. 1-10 can be configured opposing the otherlocking member and disposed adjacent handle portion 24. The opposinglocking fashioned in a way similarly shown in FIGS. 1-10 can be disposedanywhere along respective shank portions 30, 32 between the hinge 20 andrespective proximal ends 18 of arms 12, 14. In a preferred aspect,locking members fashioned in a way similarly shown in FIGS. 1-10 can bedisposed adjacent handle portions 22, 24. Each locking member fashionedin a way similarly shown in FIGS. 1-10 can include respective teethportions 35, 37 for removably fixing locking member together. Othersecuring means such as ribs, latches, hooks, loops, pins, and slides canremovably secure locking member together. Other locking or securingmeans can be configured into hinge 20 to lock movement of arms 12, 14.

As shown pictorially in FIGS. 17-18, arms 12, 14 are articulated apartabout hinge 20 to open or otherwise simultaneously separate pincer 26Afrom 28A and pincer 28A from 28B to form respective open jaws 38, 40.Conversely, when arms 12, 14 are articulated together about hinge 20,respective jaws 38, 40 close as pincers 26A, 28A and pincers 28A. 28Bcome together as shown in FIG. 18.

As shown pictorially in FIG. 17, arm 12 includes a pair of pincers 28A,28B. Pincers 28A, 28B are attached to hinge 20 and spaced apart by anoffset portion 52A. Pincers 28A, 28B can include grips 42A, 42B and arepreferably contoured to receive a round fibrous swab, as best shown inFIGS. 17-19. Grips 42A, 42B can be configured from one or moreprotuberations, undulations, or irregularities in the materialcomprising the gripping surface. Grips 42A, 42B can be fashioned intothe gripping surface of pincers 28A, 28B by making alterations to thesurface of the material forming the pincers 28A, 28B. In a preferredaspect of the present disclosure, arm 12 is manufactured from amedical-grade alloy, such as surgical stainless steel. In anotheraspect, grips 42A, 42B are formed from a separate layer of materialfashioned atop the gripping surface of pincers 28A, 28B. For example,any type of hydrophobic, surgical grade rubber, plastic or siliconecould be fashioned as grips 42A, 42B atop the gripping surface ofpincers 28A, 28B. In at least one configuration of arm 12, pincers 28A,28B are spaced apart in a generally parallel orientation relative toeach another. In a preferred configuration, pincers 28A, 28B are angledaway from each other. The offset portion 52A can include a mechanism(not shown) to control the degree of offset between pincers 28A, 28B.For example, one or both pincers 28A, 28B can be hingably mounted atoffset portion 52A with the degree of separation between them controlledby an adjustment screw or other incremental adjustment mechanism.Adjustments can result in the distal end of pincers 28A, 28B beingspaced closer together or further apart, thereby increasing ordecreasing the separation distance between jaws 38, 40 (best illustratedin FIGS. 17-18). The portion of pincers 28A, 28B attached to offsetportion 52A can also, by actuation of an adjustment mechanism, such asan adjustment screw, be spaced closer together or further apart. Suchadjustments can provide, for example, a greater distance between jaws38, 40

As shown pictorially in FIG. 17, arm 14 includes a pair of pincers 26A,26B. Pincers 26A, 26B are attached to hinge 20 and spaced apart by anoffset portion 52A. Pincers 26A, 26B can include grips 44A, 44B and arepreferably contoured to receive a round fibrous swab, as best shown inFIGS. 17-19. Grips 44A, 44B can be configured from one or moreprotuberations, undulations, or irregularities in the materialcomprising the gripping surface. Grips 44A, 44B can be fashioned intothe gripping surface of pincers 26A, 26B by making alterations to thesurface of the material forming the pincers 26A, 26B. In a preferredaspect of the present disclosure, arm 14 is manufactured from amedical-grade alloy, such as surgical stainless steel. In anotheraspect, grips 44A, 44B are formed from a separate layer of materialfashioned atop the gripping surface of pincers 26A, 26B. For example,any type of hydrophobic, surgical grade rubber, plastic or siliconecould be fashioned as grips 44A, 44B atop the gripping surface ofpincers 26A, 26B. In at least one configuration of arm 14, pincers 26A,26B are spaced apart in a generally parallel orientation relative toeach another. In a preferred configuration, pincers 26A, 26B are angledaway from each other. The offset portion 50A can include a mechanism(not shown) to control the degree of offset between pincers 26A, 26B.For example, one or both pincers 26A, 26B can be hingably mounted at theoffset portion 50A with the degree of separation between them controlledby an adjustment screw or other incremental adjustment mechanism.Adjustments can result in the distal end of pincers 26A, 26B beingspaced closer together or further apart, thereby increasing ordecreasing the separation distance between jaws 38, 40 (best illustratedin FIGS. 17-18). The portion of pincers 26A, 26B attached to respectiveoffset portion 50A can also, by actuation of an adjustment mechanism,such as an adjustment screw, be spaced closer together or further apart.Such adjustments can provide, for example, a greater distance betweenjaws 38, 40.

The pincers 26A, 26B, 28A, 28B are angled generally outwardly fromplanarity with the body of the forceps 10. The angle can be anywherefrom 10-60 degrees, and preferably 20-45 degrees as illustratedpictorially in FIGS. 17-18. The separation distance between the distalend 16 of pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B allows manipulation of tissues,nerves, fluids, and other possible vision-occluders to the extent thatwould not otherwise be possible with straight pincers or pincers with noseparation distance between the distal end 16 of pincers 26A, 28A and26B, 28B. Jaws 38, 40 are configured to hold at least a pair of fibrousswabs (e.g., fibrous swabs 62 shown in FIGS. 18-19), such as a pluralityof cotton peanut sponges, cotton kittners or any like fibroussponges/swabs. Examples of various contemplated fibrous swabs 62 andsponge pouch (e.g., see sponge pouch 60 in FIGS. 9-10) are commerciallyavailable for purchase from American Surgical Company. With the jaws 38,40 of pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B open, as pictorially illustrated inFIG. 17, at least a pair of fibrous swabs can simultaneously be securedbetween respective pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B as shown in FIGS.18-19. Articulating handles 22, 24 from an open position (see FIG. 17)toward a closed position (see FIGS. 18-19) closes jaws 38, 40 therebygrasping the pair of fibrous swabs 62 as shown. Grips 42A, 44A and 42B,44B aid in grasping and retaining a grasp on the fibrous swabs 62 duringmanipulation of tissue, nerves, fluids or other bodily substancesduring, for example, a surgical procedure. Locking members, such assimilar ones 34, 36 shown in FIGS. 1-10, can be configured on respectivehandles 22, 24 and aid in firmly securing fibrous swabs 62 withinrespective jaws 38, 40. Handles 22, 24 are articulated toward a closedposition (see FIG. 18) to lock the fibrous swabs 62 within respectivejaws 38, 40 of opposing pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B as shown in FIGS.18-19. As discussed above, adjusting the dimension and/or angle ofoffset portions 50A, 52A can alter the separation distance between thejaws 38, 40 holding the pair of fibrous swabs 62. For example,increasing the dimension/angle of offset portions 50A, 52A can increasethe separation distance between opposing jaws 38, 40 and thereby theseparation distance between the pair of fibrous swabs 62 grasped by thepair of opposing jaws 38, 40. Alterations or changes to the dimensionand/or angle of pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B can be accomplished asdisclosed herein. It can be desirable to increase separation distancebetween the pair of opposing pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B to increase,for example, the tissue separation during pushing and retracting tissuefor creating enough tissue separation to prevent tissue from prolapsingwhile still providing a space through which the medical professional cansee. Moreover, the angle of separation between pincers 26A, 28A and 26B,28B allows further pushing and retraction of tissues, such as furthermanipulation of prolapsing tissue. Pincers 26A, 28A and 26B, 28B canboth be angled upward or downward to further manipulate tissue, nerves,fluids, and other vision-occluders at a surgical site.

FIGS. 20-21 disclose forceps in accordance with another illustrativeaspect of the present disclosure. The forceps 10 pictorially representedin FIGS. 20-21 include opposing arms 12, 14 that each extend generallybetween a distal end 16 and a proximal end 18 of the tool body orforceps 10. Pincer 26A is disposed at the distal end 16 of arm 12.Similarly, pincer 28A is disposed at the distal end of arm 14. In atleast one preferred aspect of the present disclosure, pincers 26A, 28Aare angled away from each other. Handle portion 22 is connected to arm12, 14 at the proximal end 18. A shank portion 30 is disposed betweenthe pincers and handle portion 22. The shank portion 30 can belengthened or shortened to accommodate a desired tool body length. Arms12, 14 are joined by the shank portion 30. The shank portion 30 can alsobe altered (e.g., lengthened) to offer more leverage at pincers 26A,28A. The opposing arms 12, 14 are manipulated by manipulation of thehandle portion 22.

As shown pictorially in FIGS. 20-21, arms 12, 14 are angled apart fromshank portion 30 to separate pincers 26A, 28A to form jaw 38, or in thiscase the separation distance between pincers 26A, 28A.

As shown pictorially in FIGS. 20-21, arms 12, 14 include pincers 26A,28A. Pincers 26A is attached to and offset from pincer 28A by shankportion 30. Pincers 26A. 28A can include grips 42A, 44A and grips 42A,44A are preferably contoured to receive a round fibrous swab, as bestshown in FIG. 21. Grips 42A, 44A can be configured from one or moreprotuberations, undulations, or irregularities in the materialcomprising the gripping surface. Grips 42A, 44A can be fashioned intothe gripping surface of pincers 26A, 28A by making alterations to thesurface of the material forming pincers 26A, 28A. In a preferred aspectof the present disclosure, arms 12, 14 are manufactured from amedical-grade alloy, such as surgical stainless steel. In anotheraspect, grips 42A, 44A are formed from a separate layer of materialfashioned atop the gripping surface of pincers 26A, 28A. For example,any type of hydrophobic, surgical grade rubber, plastic or siliconecould be fashioned as grips 42A, 44A atop the gripping surface ofpincers 26A, 28A. In at least one configuration of arms 12, 14 pincers26A, 28A are spaced apart in a generally parallel orientation relativeto each another. In a preferred configuration, pincers 26A, 28A areangled away from each other. The shank 30 can include a mechanism (notshown) to control the degree of offset or in other words the separationdistance between pincers 26A, 28A. For example, pincers 26A, 28A can behingably mounted at shank 30 with the degree of separation between themcontrolled by an adjustment screw or other incremental adjustmentmechanism. Adjustments can result in the distal end of pincers 26A, 28Abeing spaced closer together or further apart, thereby increasing ordecreasing the separation distance of jaw 38. Such adjustments canprovide, for example, a greater jaw 38 opening.

The pincers 26A, 28A are angled generally outwardly from each other inplanarity with the body of the forceps 10. The angle can be anywherefrom 10-60 degrees, and preferably 20-45 degrees as illustratedpictorially in FIGS. 20-21. The separation distance between the distalend 16 of pincers 26A, 28A allows manipulation of tissues, nerves,fluids, and other possible vision-occluders to the extent that would nototherwise be possible with no separation distance between the distal end16 of pincers 26A, 28A. Jaw 38 is configured to hold at least a pair offibrous swabs 62, such as a plurality of cotton peanut sponges, cottonkittners or any like fibrous sponges/swabs. Examples of variouscontemplated fibrous swabs 62 and sponge pouch (e.g., see sponge pouch60 in FIGS. 9-10) are commercially available for purchase from AmericanSurgical Company. At least a pair of fibrous swabs 62 can simultaneouslybe secured to respective pincers 26A, 28A as shown in FIG. 21. In oneaspect, fibrous swabs 62 can be screwed, slide or pushed onto pincers26A, 28A. Grips 42A, 44A aid in grasping and retaining a grasp on thefibrous swabs 62 during manipulation of tissue, nerves, fluids or otherbodily substances during, for example, a surgical procedure. Asdiscussed above, adjusting the dimension and/or angle of offset betweenpincers 26A, 28A can alter the separation distance between the pincers26A, 28A or in other words the jaw 38 opening for holding the pair offibrous swabs 62. For example, increasing the dimension/angle of pincers26A, 28A at the shank portion 30 can increase the jaw 38 opening andthereby the separation distance between the pair of fibrous swabs 62grasped by the pair of opposing pincers 26A, 28A. Alterations or changesto the dimension and/or angle of pincers 26A, 28A can be accomplished asdisclosed herein. It can be desirable to increase separation distancebetween the pair of opposing pincers 26A, 28A to increase, for example,the tissue separation during pushing and retracting tissue for creatingenough tissue separation to prevent tissue from prolapsing while stillproviding a space through which the medical professional can see.Moreover, the angle of separation between pincers 26A, 28A allowsfurther pushing and retraction of tissues, such as further manipulationof prolapsing tissue. Pincers 26A, 28A can both be angled upward ordownward our of planarity with the body of the forceps 10 to furthermanipulate tissue, nerves, fluids, and other vision-occluders at asurgical site.

FIGS. 22-23 disclose forceps in accordance with another illustrativeaspect of the present disclosure. The forceps 10 pictorially representedin FIGS. 22-23 include opposing arms 12, 14 that each extend generallybetween a distal end 16 and a proximal end 18 of the tool body orforceps 10. A fibrous swab 62 is disposed at the distal end 16 of arms12, 14. In at least one preferred aspect of the present disclosure, arms12, 14 are angled away from each other. Handle portion 22 is connectedto arms 12, 14 at the proximal end 18. A shank portion is disposedbetween the arms 12, 14 and handle portion 22. The shank portion can belengthened or shortened to accommodate a desired tool body length. Arms12, 14 are joined together by the shank portion of handle portion 22.The shank portion can also be altered (e.g., lengthened) to offer moreleverage on arms 12, 14 and respective fibrous swabs 62. The opposingarms 12, 14 are manipulated by manipulation of the handle portion 22.

As shown pictorially in FIGS. 22-23, arms 12, 14 are angled apart fromthe shank portion of handle portion 22 to separate the arms 12, 14 andrespective fibrous swabs 62 to form jaw 38, or in this case theseparation distance between respective fibrous swabs 26A, 28A.

As shown pictorially in FIGS. 22-23, arms 12, 14 include armsterminating in fibrous swabs 62. Arms 12, 14 can include grips 42A, 44Ain a way similarly shown in FIGS. 20-21 and grips 42A, 44A arepreferably contoured to receive a round fibrous swab, as best shown inFIG. 21. The grips can be configured from one or more protuberations,undulations, or irregularities in the material comprising the grippingsurface. Grips can be fashioned into the gripping surface at the distalend 16 of arms 12, 14 by making alterations to the surface of thematerial forming pincers the distal end 16 of arms 12, 14. In one aspectof the present disclosure, arms 12, 14 are manufactured from amedical-grade alloy, such as surgical stainless steel. In anotheraspect, grips fashioned similar to grips 42A, 44A in FIGS. 20-21 areformed from a separate layer of material fashioned atop the grippingsurface. For example, any type of hydrophobic, surgical grade rubber,plastic or silicone could be fashioned as grips. In another aspect ofthe present disclosure, forceps 10 are manufactured from a surgicalgrade disposable material to include arms 12, 14 terminating in a pairof fibrous swaps 62, whereby after use the entire forceps 10 isdiscarded.

In at least one configuration of arms 12, 14 are spaced apart in agenerally parallel orientation relative to each another. In a preferredconfiguration, arms 12, 14 are angled away from each other. The shankportion of handle portion 22 can include a mechanism (not shown) tocontrol the degree of offset or in other words the separation distancebetween arms 12, 14, fibrous swabs 62, and thereby the jaw 38 opening.For example, arms 12, 14 can be hingably mounted at the shank portion ofhandle portion 22 with the degree of separation between them controlledby an adjustment screw or other incremental adjustment mechanism.Adjustments can result in the distal end of arms 12, 14 being spacedcloser together or further apart, thereby increasing or decreasing theseparation distance of jaw 38. Such adjustments can provide, forexample, a greater jaw 38 opening.

The arms 12, 14 are angled generally outwardly from each other inplanarity with the body of the forceps 10. The angle can be anywherefrom 10-60 degrees, and preferably 20-35 degrees as illustratedpictorially in FIG. 22. The separation distance between the distal end16 of arms 12, 14 and thereby respective fibrous swabs 62 allowsmanipulation of tissues, nerves, fluids, and other possiblevision-occluders to the extent that would not otherwise be possible withno separation distance between arms 12, 14. Jaw 38 is configured to holdat least a pair of fibrous swabs 62, such as a plurality of cottonpeanut sponges, cotton kittners or any like fibrous sponges/swabs.Examples of various contemplated fibrous swabs 62 and sponge pouch(e.g., see sponge pouch 60 in FIGS. 9-10) are commercially available forpurchase from American Surgical Company. At least a pair of fibrousswabs 62 can simultaneously be secured as shown in FIGS. 22-23. In oneaspect, fibrous swabs 62 can be screwed, slide or pushed onto the endsof arms 12, 14. In another aspect, the end of arms 12, 14 aremanufactured to already include a pair of fibrous swabs 62 whereby theforceps 10 are disposable and discarded after use. Grips fashioned in alike manner as grips 42A, 44A shown in FIGS. 20-21 can aid in graspingand retaining a grasp on the fibrous swabs 62 during manipulation oftissue, nerves, fluids or other bodily substances during, for example, asurgical procedure. As discussed above, adjusting the dimension and/orangle of offset between arms 12, 14, and particularly respective fibrousswabs 62, can alter the separation distance between the swabs or inother words the jaw 38 opening for holding the pair of fibrous swabs 62.Alterations or changes to the dimension and/or angle of arms 12, 14 canbe accomplished as disclosed herein. It can be desirable to increaseseparation distance between the pair of opposing fibrous swabs 62 toincrease, for example, the tissue separation during pushing andretracting tissue for creating enough tissue separation to preventtissue from prolapsing while still providing a space through which themedical professional can see. Moreover, the angle of separation betweenswabs 62 allows further pushing and retraction of tissues, such asfurther manipulation of prolapsing tissue. As best shown in FIG. 23,arms 12, 14 can both be angled upward or downward our of planarity withthe body of the forceps 10 to further manipulate tissue, nerves, fluids,and other vision-occluders at a surgical site.

The disclosure is not to be limited to the particular embodimentsdescribed herein. In particular, the disclosure contemplates numerousvariations in the type of ways in which embodiments of the disclosurecan be applied to metering systems with variable blend and variableapplication rate controls for particulate matter. The foregoingdescription has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit any ofthe disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated thatother alternatives or exemplary aspects that are considered included inthe disclosure. The description is merely examples of embodiments,processes or methods of the disclosure. It is understood that any othermodifications, substitutions, and/or additions can be made, which arewithin the intended spirit and scope of the disclosure. For theforegoing, it can be seen that the disclosure accomplishes at least allof the intended objectives.

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodimentsfor implementing the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting inscope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed with greater particularity.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handheld forceps for grasping andsimultaneously holding multiple objects, the forceps comprising: a firstopposing arm having proximal and distal ends; a second opposing armhaving proximal and distal ends; a hinge connecting the first opposingarm and the second opposing arm together between the proximal and distalends, wherein the first opposing arm and the second opposing armarticulate relative to each other about the hinge; handle portionscomprising: a first handle portion at the proximal end of the firstopposing arm, the first handle portion having an open and closedposition for articulating the distal end of the first opposing arm openand closed; a second handle portion at the proximal end of the secondopposing arm, the second handle portion having an open and closedposition for articulating the distal end of the second opposing arm openand closed; at least a first pincer with grips and a second pincer withgrips at the distal end of each of the first opposing arm and the secondopposing arm; a first jaw comprising the first pincer at the distal endof the first opposing arm and the first pincer at the distal end of thesecond opposing arm; and a second jaw comprising the second pincer atthe distal end of the first opposing arm and the second pincer at thedistal end of the second opposing arm; wherein the grip of the firstpincer at the distal end of the first opposing arm faces the grip of thesecond pincer at the distal end of the second opposing arm; wherein thegrip of the second pincer at the distal end of the first opposing armfaces the grip of the first pincer at the distal end of the secondopposing arm; wherein the first pincer at the distal end of the firstopposing arm, the first pincer at the distal end of the second opposingarm, the second pincer at the distal end of the first opposing arm, andthe second pincer at the distal end of the second opposing arm arestacked in alignment with each other such that, in a closed position,the grip of the first pincer at the distal end of the first opposing armabuts the grip of the first pincer at the distal end of the secondopposing arm along substantially the entire length of both grips and thegrip of the second pincer at the distal end of the first opposing armabuts the grip of the second pincer at the distal end of the secondopposing arm along substantially the entire length of both grips.
 2. Thehandheld forceps of claim 1 wherein the first jaw and the second jaw areboth closed in the closed position of the handle portions.
 3. Thehandheld forceps of claim 1 wherein the first jaw and the second jaw areboth open in the open position of the handle portions.
 4. The handheldforceps of claim 1 wherein the first jaw and the second jaw arelongitudinally aligned.
 5. The handheld forceps of claim 1 wherein apair of inner pincers comprise the first pincer at the distal end of thefirst opposing arm and the second pincer at the distal end of the secondopposing arm.
 6. The handheld forceps of claim 1 wherein a pair of outerpincers comprise the second pincer at the distal end of the firstopposing arm and the first pincer at the distal end of the secondopposing arm.
 7. The handheld forceps of claim 1 further comprising alocking mechanism between the proximal ends and the hinge, wherein thelocking mechanism comprises a first locking member on the first opposingarm and a second locking member of the second opposing arm, wherein thefirst and second locking members include teeth.
 8. A handheld medicaltool, comprising: a first opposing arm having proximal and distal ends;a second opposing arm having proximal and distal ends; a hingeconnecting the first opposing arm and the second opposing arm togetherbetween the proximal and distal ends, wherein the first opposing arm andthe second opposing arm articulate relative to each other about thehinge; handle portions comprising: a first handle portion at theproximal end of the first opposing arm; a second handle portion at theproximal end of the second opposing arm; wherein the first and secondhandle portion have an open and closed position for articulating thedistal end of the first and second opposing arm open and closed; a firstpincer with a first grip at the distal end of the first opposing arm anda first pincer with a first grip at the distal end of the secondopposing arm; a second pincer with a second grip at the distal end ofthe first opposing arm and a second pincer with a second grip at thedistal end of the second opposing arm; and a pair of pincers comprisingthe second pincer at the distal end of the first opposing arm and thefirst pincer at the distal end of the second opposing arm disposedbetween the first pincer at the distal end of the first opposing arm andthe second pincer at the distal end of the second opposing arm whereinthe first grip at the distal end of the first opposing arm faces thefirst grip at the distal end of the second opposing arm and the secondgrip at the distal end of the second opposing arm faces the second gripof the first opposing arm; wherein each of the second pincers at thedistal ends of the first and the second opposing arms are in alignmentwith each of the first pincers at the distal ends of the first andsecond opposing arms such that, in a closed position, the grip of thefirst pincer at the distal end of the first opposing arm abuts the gripof the first pincer at the distal end of the second opposing arm alongsubstantially the entire length of both grips and the grip of the secondpincer at the distal end of the first opposing arm abuts the grip of thesecond pincer at the distal end of the second opposing arm alongsubstantially the entire length of both grips.
 9. The handheld medicaltool of claim 8 wherein the pair of pincers articulate about the hingeindependently.
 10. The handheld medical tool of claim 8 wherein thefirst opposing arm includes the first pincer at the distal end of thefirst opposing arm and the second pincer at the distal end of the firstopposing arm.
 11. The handheld medical tool of claim 8 wherein the firstand second pincers at the distal end of the first opposing armarticulate independent of the first pincer at the distal end of thesecond opposing arm.
 12. The handheld medical tool of claim 8 whereinthe first and second pincers at the distal end of the first opposing armarticulate together.
 13. The handheld medical tool of claim 8 furthercomprising a locking mechanism between the proximal ends and the hinge,wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first locking member on thefirst opposing arm and a second locking member of the second opposingarm, wherein the first and second locking member include teeth.
 14. Ahandheld medical instrument comprising: first and second opposing armshaving proximal and distal ends; a hinge connecting the opposing armstogether between the proximal and distal ends, wherein the opposing armsarticulate relative to each other about the hinge; handle portionscomprising: a first handle portion at the proximal end of the firstopposing arm, the first handle portion having an open and closedposition for articulating the distal end of the first opposing arm openand closed; a second handle portion at the proximal end of the secondopposing arm, the second handle portion having an open and closedposition for articulating the distal end of the second opposing arm openand closed; a first pincer with a first grip at the distal end of thefirst opposing arm and a first pincer with a first grip at the distalend of the second opposing arm; and a second pincer with a second gripat the distal end of the first opposing arm and a second pincer with asecond grip at the distal end of the second opposing arm; wherein thefirst grip at the distal end of the first opposing arm faces the firstand second grips at the distal end of the second opposing arm; whereinthe second grip at the distal end of the second opposing arm faces thefirst and second grips at the distal end of the first opposing arm;wherein in a closed position, the grip of the first pincer at the distalend of the first opposing arm abuts the grip of the first pincer at thedistal end of the second opposing arm along substantially the entirelength of both grips and the grip of the second pincer at the distal endof the first opposing arm abuts the grip of the second pincer at thedistal end of the second opposing arm along substantially the entirelength of both grips.
 15. The handheld medical instrument of claim 14wherein the first pincer at the distal end of the second opposing arm isdisposed between the first pincer at the distal end of the firstopposing arm and the second pincer at the distal end of the firstopposing arm when the first and second opposing arms are both open andclosed.
 16. The handheld medical instrument of claim 14 wherein the pairof jaws articulate together simultaneously.
 17. The handheld medicalinstrument of claim 14 wherein the pair of jaws have an open and closedposition, wherein the pair of jaws are in the open position with thehandle portions in the open position.
 18. The handheld medicalinstrument of claim 14 wherein the pair of jaws are orientedlongitudinally relative to the hinge.
 19. The handheld medicalinstrument of claim 14 wherein the pincers comprise needle nose pincers.